Chapter 4

Julia's pov.

My eyelids fluttered open, my blurry vision gradually becoming clear. I looked around, noticing that I was in my room. How did I get here? Was it all a dream?

“Oh, you're finally awake.” Mother entered the room, her eyes filled with worry. She walked over to the bed where I was laying and placed her palm on my head.

“You don't have a fever anymore, what happened to you?”

“How did I get here?”

“Oh, your brother was in another car behind the Alpha when you collapsed. So the Alpha handed you over to him and he brought you home. They were on their way to get our future Luna's parents for the engagement party tonight.” My mother explained.

It must have been embarrassing to fall on the Alpha's chest. I never expected to meet him twice in one day and both in awkward situations! I don't even know how to face him ever again, I don't think I ever will.

After what Dylan has done to me, I don't think there's anything that would take me back to the pack house, I don't want to run into any of them.

“Julia, are you sure you're okay?” Mother asked again, probably noticing my foul mood. I nodded my head with a smile, trying to convince her that I was alright.

I don't even have the heart to let her know what happened. I can't bring myself to tell her how Dylan broke my heart a day to our formal introduction. I was hurt. Thinking about it hurts a lot.

“Then why did you fall unconscious?”

“I'm probably stressed out mom, you know how much I worked last week.” I lied, trying to cover up. I had followed Alex to do his work last week and it was a hectic week.

“I told you to get some rest, but you didn't listen.” She frowned.

“I'm fine mom.” I sighed.

“Where is Alex?” I questioned.

“He went to get your cake.” Her face suddenly lit up. I was confused for a second and then it dawned on me.. it's my birthday!

How is it my birthday? Was I really unconscious the whole night?

“Happy eighteenth birthday my dear.” Mother put her arms around me immediately, embracing me tightly.

“Thank you mom.”

“Where's the birthday girl!?” Alex's voice chimed as he burst through the door, holding the beautiful, pink birthday cake in his hands.

They both started to sing happy birthday to me in unison, presenting the cake to me, along with a bunch of gifts they had gotten me. I was moved to tears.

My family didn't have a lot of money but they always went out of their way to make me happy.

We ate the cake, laughing and having a good time together until mom had to go after getting a call. She was a midwife, and had been called to deliver a baby for one of the pack members.

Her job as a midwife didn't pay much, but she continued to do it because she loved it. I wish I could be as passionate as my mother or my brother, but I don't even know what to do with my life at the moment. I gave a whole year of my life to that cheat, Dylan and now he has ruined me.

“Are you strong enough to help me with some work?” Alex asked after mother left for her work.

“What work?”

“I have to deliver a bunch of things for the Alpha's engagement to the pack house. I would have gone alone but I need some help picking the right things and you have an eye for pretty things.” He explained but my heart skipped.

I don't want to go back to the pack house, I don't want to run into Dylan, or anyone for that matter. I wanted to stay as far away from everyone as possible.

“But Alex.. I don't think I can.” I bit my lip.

“Please Julia.” He pleaded, giving me puppy dog eyes which he knew I couldn't resist.

“Fine, but on one condition.. After helping you pick out the things you need, I won't go into the pack house to deliver them. You'll have to go in alone.”

“Why? Are you afraid of anything?” He almost chuckled. I glared at him and shook my head.

“I just.. I just want to stay in the car and wait for you. I'm not strong enough to carry anything in with you.” I lied.

Alex would be disappointed to find out what happened to Dylan, I don't think I can tell him yet.

“Fine, I accept. Now let's go.”

I got dressed and followed Alex to the car. We got to the store and picked up the items for the engagement before driving to the pack house where the engagement was about to begin. I still wonder why the Alpha would settle for someone like Selena.

Alex and the maids had to hurry up and put everything in place while I waited in the car, refusing to step out.

An hour later, I was still sitting in the car and waiting for Alex to return when I felt a sudden surge of energy within me. I jolted from my position, confused about what just happened.

I tried to ignore it but it continued, getting me more and more restless. A sweet scent filled my nostrils, it got heavier and heavier, it smelled like the forest after rain, it was addictive. I tried to ignore it but my body did not agree with me.

I pushed the door open, sauntering out of the car. I sniffed the air, my feet moving towards the scent. I found myself inside the crowded pack house, everyone had gathered for the Alpha's engagement, but even my fear of large crowds did not stop me from fighting my way through them in search of the owner of the scent.

The closer I got, the more my heart raced and sweat trickled down my face. I stumbled and almost fell, rushing to the front like my life depended on it. I felt like I was going to die if I didn't find that scent.

By the time I made my way to the front, the Alpha was about to exchange rings with Selena. I found myself fighting the guards to get to him.

“What's going on!?” The queen mother yelled out, turning everyone's attention to me.

Alpha Kane stopped and turned, so did Selena. They all looked perplexed but their glares were the least of my worries at that moment.

My wolf growled inside of me as I stared helplessly at Alpha Kane. He's the owner of the scent.

My wolf snarled hungrily, “Mate!”